The Chester County Emergency Services community is one made up of people from all walks of life. Each person brings a special dedication and desire to serve their community and one just doesn’t have to put out fires. There are membership opportunities available for members who want to help in fire, emergency medical services (EMS), fire police and administrative functions. If you are interested in serving your community, reach out to your local fire or ambulance company. If you don’t know who that is, please follow the link at the bottom of this story or email help@helpfightfire and we will point you in the right direction.

Below is Andrea Kain’s story as to why she joined the Goshen Fire Company._____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

1) What was your path to EMS?

Two years ago, I was preparing my application to medical school. I thought I had it all figured out. That summer, after I graduated from college, I took an EMT class. I just wanted to do something relevant to medicine during my gap year.

I ran a few shifts on the ambulance and never looked back. I vividly remember the moment I knew I wanted to do this as a career... I had a patient in a motorcycle accident. He was crying and in pain, and on the way to the hospital, he took my hand and said "Please tell me I'm gonna be alright." And it was the first time I got to tell someone "We're taking good care of you. You're going to be alright."Let's be clear, this gentleman's injuries were minor. But, the faith he put in me made me realize that I want to do this - I want to be the one that people can count on in their emergency.

2) How long have you been with Goshen Fire Co. and what are some highlights of your time here?

I joined Goshen in November 2015. The snowstorm of January 2016 was a weekend I'll never forget. A bunch of us bunkered down at Station 56 for the whole weekend, and every call was a group effort. We had a team member using his personal truck to plow the road ahead of the ambulance; we had firefighters shoveling walkways so we could get the stretcher through; we had crews digging out the ambulance when it got stuck. I learned so much about the ways that we can overcome challenges in the field. Of course I also learned that hot chocolate can be reheated, and there is no getting the smell out of boots that have been wet for 48 hours straight.

3) Tell us something about you that may be surprising to others?

People that know me now might be surprised that I was very quiet and reserved in high school. I think I've really come out of my shell in the past few years. I especially love having trainees and new members around the station. I always want to make it a fun and welcoming environment, because I hope they can enjoy EMS (or their respective division) as much as I do.

4) What EMS tool best represents your personality and why?

I'd say I could be represented by a stethoscope. If someone needs to talk, I'm always there to listen. Plus my hands are always cold, same as the diaphragm (metal chest piece).

5) Favorite thing about EMS?

Of course I love the medical aspects of EMS - using my knowledge and skills. But a majority of our calls aren't adrenaline-pumping, life-threatening situations. Sometimes there's a minuscule amount of medical care/assessment to be done. On those days, my favorite part of my work is getting a patient to laugh or smile. If you feel safe, cared for, and supported during your emergency, then I've done my job.

6) Do you have any message for people thinking about joining Goshen Fire Company?

Don't be afraid to try new things. There are bunch of ways to get involved, from the active crew, to the administrative side of things. Speaking from the EMS side, it's super easy to schedule a ride-along, even if you're not an EMT yet. My advice is to just give it a try. I think anyone can find their place here.